National Urban League Applauds President Biden's Announcement to Pardon Federal Offenses for Simple Marijuana Possession

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 6, 2022) – Today, Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, applauded President Biden’s recent efforts to decriminalize marijuana by erasing prior federal possession convictions and beginning the process of loosening federal classification of the drug:

“President Biden said it best: “No one should be jailed solely for using or possessing marijuana.” And yet, over the years, we have seen how these draconian laws have wreaked havoc on our neighborhoods, destroyed our families and negatively impacted the quality of life of our people. The President’s full and unconditional pardon will remedy the past and current harms of cannabis prohibition for the estimated 6,500 people currently convicted of federal charges, and encourage states, who are known to have higher conviction rates, to pass similar laws as well.

"For far too long, too many people have been serving long-term sentences for nonviolent drug crimes. And while white, Black, and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, a disproportionate number of people arrested and convicted are Black and brown. This has created barriers in access to education opportunities, housing, employment, and benefits for those with a criminal record, including immigration consequences for legal permanent residents. While we certainly support President Biden's initiative, this is a first step. Our ultimate goal is to permanently de-schedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act and break the shackles that have bound generations to the failed War on Drugs.

“In 2021,the National Urban League released its Equitable Cannabis Legalization memo, a policy position on equitable legalization of cannabis. The issue brief outlines several areas that policymakers must address, including the overlapping issues of social equity and community reinvestment, criminal justice, workforce development, entrepreneurship, public health, and product safety, to get this right. In order for our communities to achieve true equity, inclusion, and justice, it requires addressing discriminatory practices in all systems at the root. We are pleased to see many of the ideals outlined in our memo put forth in President Biden’s plan today.

“On behalf of our 92 affiliates and the constituencies we serve, we thank President Biden for his continued efforts and look forward to working with him on such an important issue.”